Obituary

Ann Elizabeth (Delorey) Phelps, passed away surrounded by the people she loved most on July 8, 2017. Ann was the daughter of the late John Emery and Marion (Noren) Delorey, and was born in Brockton on December 18, 1941.

She moved to Rockland and attended Rockland High School where she would meet the love of her life, Richard Phelps. After high school, she attended the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1962, and worked at South Shore Hospital. In 1986 she began her career at Rockland High School as head nurse of the Rockland Public School system, where she would impact thousands of lives before her retirement in 2003.

Ann loved Rockland and helping others, entrenching herself in the community through public service. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church, past President of the Rockland Visiting Nurse Association, and long -time member of the Rockland Citizen Scholarship Foundation. She devoted herself in many capacities to the Rockland schools as an athletic booster, CPR Instructor, and proponent/implementer of both the Senior Issues Program, and the annual Academic Awards Ceremony. Ann was the founder of Rockland Holiday Magic in 2003, and through that program, committed to assisting hundreds of families during the holidays. Ann truly enjoyed being involved, busy and serving others.

More than anything, she loved her husband Richard, son of the late Edward and Katherine (Swett) Phelps. Married in 1963, together they raised three children: Kimberly Phelps Nelson and her husband Erik of Marshfield, Jeffrey Phelps and his wife Gayle of Hanson, and Edward (Rick) Phelps and his wife Susan of Hanson. She was Mimi to eight grandchildren: Mya, Teddie, Ethan, Lauren, Emily, Katherine, Olivia and Matthew. She was sister to Patricia Principe and sister in law to Judith Phelps, and William Principe, all of Rockland. Ann was also aunt to Melissa (Nelson) Reale of Hingham and Michael Nelson of Alexandria, Virginia.

Ann and Richard loved their life together and lived it to the fullest. They travelled the world living their dream, enjoyed many family vacations, and hosted friends and family at their home away from home in Plymouth. Ann was happiest being "Mimi" and spoiled her grandchildren shamelessly. She never missed a concert, game or recital, and her favorite times were spent together with family.
In keeping with her giving and generous spirit, Ann has made an anatomical gift to the Tufts School of Medicine. Through this gift, she will continue to help others.

The family welcomes loved ones and friends to celebrate Ann's life on Friday July 14, 2017 at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St. Rockland from 5:00-8:00 PM. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday July 15, 2017 at 9:00 AM in Holy Family Church, 403 Union St. Rockland, Donations in Ann's memory may be made to Rockland Holiday Magic P.O. Box 50, The Rockland Education Foundation P.O. Box 764,or the John Delorey Scholarship Fund. P.O. Box 551 all in Rockland, MA 02370.